GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Michigan Education
Association does not oppose reform measures that would help Michigan qualify
for federal education dollars, but some restrictions must apply, the union
president said in a letter to lawmakers and the public Monday.

As reported by The Grand Rapids Press, MEA President
Iris Salters said that the union does not oppose more charter schools as long
as the state requires greater transparency and accountability from them.

The letter also said that using student performance as
the sole measure of teacher effectiveness is unfair, and that teacher
evaluations should include such things as student attendance, parental
involvement and socioeconomic factors, The Press reported.

The union also said it agrees with legislation adopted
by the House of Representatives that would appoint turnaround experts to
"failing schools," according to The Press. However, it said there is
no need to revise teacher tenure laws other than to speed up the tenure hearing
process.

Finally, the union remains opposed to alternative
teacher certification, but would not formally object to such a change as long
as teacher quality is assured, the letter said, according to The Press.

The reform issues — all under consideration by the
state Legislature — are believed to be critical to Michigan's chances of receiving
federal education funding through the Race to the Top competitive grant
program.